To merge table cells in OneNote, select adjacent cells and look for “Merge Cells” on the right-click menu or Table tab. Availability depends on your app and rollout. If the command is missing, keep a formatted table in Word or Excel and add it to your notes.
Merging table cells in OneNote may not be as straightforward across every version. Microsoft announced native merging for supported Insider versions of OneNote on Windows, Mac and iPad. Check for the command before copying your table to another application.
If you use Word or Excel as a workaround, copying the modified table back does not guarantee that older OneNote versions will preserve merged cells. Attach the original file when you need to retain its editable formatting.
Let’s explore the procedure in further detail:
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Steps to Merge Table Cells in OneNote
First select two or more neighboring cells in OneNote, then right-click and choose “Merge Cells”, or look on the Table tab. Microsoft’s rollout announcement lists creation on Windows, Mac and iPad for Insiders, with viewing only on iPhone, Android and the web. A version number alone does not guarantee the command has reached your account. If it is missing, the steps below explain the Word workaround and its limits.
- First, you need to copy the table you’d like to modify from OneNote. To do so, select the entire table or the portion you want to edit, right-click, and choose “Copy”.
- Next, open a Word document and paste the copied table. Select the cells to combine, then open the table “Layout” tab and select “Merge Cells”. The screenshot below shows Word’s table tools, not the OneNote command.
- After merging the desired cells, copy the modified table and paste it back into your OneNote document. Check the result: a version without merged-cell support may split the cells again. Keep the Word document if you need a reliable editable copy.
Check the pasted result rather than assuming it is still a merged, editable OneNote table. If cells split or the layout changes, keep the table in Word and attach the document to your note. For Excel in OneNote on Windows, Insert > Spreadsheet > Existing Excel Spreadsheet lets you attach a workbook or show a spreadsheet preview. This stores a copy, so changes to the original file do not update it.
FAQs on Merged Cells in OneNote
Can I merge cells directly in OneNote?
Yes, if “Merge Cells” is available in your OneNote app. Select adjacent cells and use the right-click menu or Table tab. If you cannot find it, check for app updates and confirm your release channel; Microsoft introduced the feature through its Insider rollout.
How do I merge cells in Word or Excel?
In Word, select the cells you want to merge, click the table “Layout” tab, and click “Merge Cells”. In Excel, select the desired cells, navigate to the “Home” tab, and click “Merge & Center”. Excel keeps only one cell’s contents when merging, so move any other values you need before proceeding.
Will my table formatting be affected when I copy from OneNote to Word or Excel?
Yes. Fonts, borders, widths and merged areas may change when pasting between apps. Check a small copy first and keep the source document. Use an attachment or spreadsheet preview if preserving the original layout matters more than editing it as a native OneNote table.
Conclusion
With these steps in place, you can keep your OneNote tables tidy and readable without giving up any of the note-taking features you rely on every day.
Use native merging when the command is available, or keep your formatted Word or Excel file with the note when it is not. Check the result before deleting your original table.
